Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, has announced plans to establish a state-owned commercial airline aimed at creating employment opportunities for indigenes who have completed professional pilot training. Yusuf disclosed this during the 40th Executive Council Meeting held at the Government House in Kano, where he also received several awards, including a recognition from the Kano State Pilot Association for his administration’s support in helping members complete their aviation training. The governor’s plan was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa. According to Yusuf, the proposed Kano Airline is expected to commence operations within the next year. “By the grace of God, the proposed Kano Airline will commence operations within the next one year. We are committed to providing all the necessary support to actualise the project and ensure its successful operation,” the governor said. Yusuf said the initiative forms part of the state’s efforts to create jobs for trained pilots and strengthen the aviation sector. He also expressed satisfaction with the performance of Kano-sponsored pilots who underwent aviation training in Jordan under a programme initiated by a previous administration, assuring them of continued government support. “I am impressed by the outstanding performance of our young pilots. We will continue to support them and create opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of the aviation sector,” he added. Earlier, Chairman of the Kano State Pilot Association, Naziru Ibrahim, commended the governor for facilitating the revalidation of members’ flying licences, describing the intervention as critical to their professional development. He, however, appealed for additional government support to enable the pilots obtain their final certifications, which would qualify them to operate commercial flights within Nigeria and internationally. “We appreciate Your Excellency for your continued support, particularly in helping our members revalidate their flying licences,” Ibrahim said. “We appeal for further assistance to enable them obtain their final certifications, which will qualify them to operate commercial flights both within Nigeria and internationally.”
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